Vehicle Camera Lens Cleaning for Trailer Hitch Angle Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reversing a vehicle while towing a trailer can be challenging due to inaccuracies in determining the hitch angle, which is critical for trailer backup assist systems, especially for infrequent drivers or those with various types of trailers.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a camera that captures images of the rear vehicle scene, a controller to analyze image quality, and a device to clean the lens when necessary, ensuring accurate hitch angle determination and system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the camera lens is cleaned frequently to maintain image quality, then measurement precision of hitch angle is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses image quality metrics as feedback to determine when lens cleaning is needed. The controller monitors captured images and activates the cleaning device only when image quality falls below a threshold, creating a closed-loop control system that balances measurement precision with operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by analyzing its own captured images to detect lens contamination. The camera system serves itself by using its output to trigger its own maintenance, eliminating the need for external monitoring systems.
2Reliability
If the lens cleaning device is activated continuously to maintain clear images, then reliability of target detection is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the lens cleaning device operates periodically based on detected image quality degradation. The system checks image quality at intervals and activates cleaning only when necessary, reducing energy consumption while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from image quality analysis to control cleaning device activation. When image quality metrics indicate contamination, the cleaning device is activated; when quality is acceptable, the device remains inactive, optimizing energy usage.
3Measurement precision
If image quality monitoring is implemented to trigger lens cleaning, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system performs self-assessment by analyzing its own captured images for quality metrics. The controller uses the camera's output to evaluate image quality and trigger cleaning when needed, allowing the system to serve its own monitoring needs without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures images for hitch angle measurement and simultaneously provides image quality metrics for lens contamination detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate monitoring hardware, reducing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the accuracy and reliability of hitch angle determination, improving the operation of trailer backup assist systems by maintaining clear camera images and preventing potential jackknife conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A camera is configured to capture images of a rear vehicle scene
Implementation Method 2
A device is configured to remove contaminants on a lens of the camera
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system of a vehicle is provided herein. A camera is configured to capture images of a rear vehicle scene containing a trailer attached to the vehicle. A device is configured to remove contaminants on a lens of the camera. A controller is configured to analyze the captured images and activate the device based on the image quality of the captured images and a motion of the trailer relative to the vehicle.